It’s never too late to start healthy habits to take care of your vision! September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual health observance designed to encourage people to start healthy habits for their vision and to increase their physical, social, financial, and mental well-being.

“We saw a need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to shout out, ‘Hey, it’s not too late to take control of your health, it’s never too late to get started on something new,’” said Carolyn Worthington, the editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and the creator of Healthy Aging Month.

1. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam When was your last eye exam? If it’s been a couple of years, you should set one up! Adults between the ages of 18 to 60 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. Adults who are older than 61 should receive exams annually. Even if you think your vision is fine, many eye diseases and disorders have no early symptoms, making it important to catch them early.

2. Maintain a healthy weight Obesity can increase your risk of developing diabetes, a condition that can lead to diabetic eye disease and vision loss. Research has also found that obesity can be linked to increased intraocular pressure, one of the main predictors of glaucoma. If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor about what you can do.

3. Eat a healthy diet Studies have found that there are eye health benefits associated with eating dark leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale, and collard greens) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, tuna, and halibut). Nuts and legumes are also great sources for omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Quit smoking (or don’t start) Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs – it’s also linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. All these conditions can result in vision loss. If you’ve been meaning to quit, now’s the time!

5. Wear sunglasses Sunglasses don’t only keep you from squinting – they also protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Failing to protect your eyes from the sun can increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium.

Your vision is one of your most important senses. Start building healthy habits today so that you can keep enjoying your eyes in the future!

Are you interested in setting up a comprehensive eye examination? Contact Ophthalmology Associates today to set up an appointment.